Onkyo TX-SR606 vs 706

schilrj

Just got a new HD TV (Panasonic TCP46S1) and looking to replace my dinosaur JVC receiver. I've been studying around and am interested in either the Onkyo TX-SR606 or 706. The pre-amp outs would be nice, but not a necessity. My question is more with the video upscaling. Is it worth the extra $$ to get the Onkyo 706 due to the 1080p upscaling? The 606 does 1080i, but would I notice the difference?

bopicasso

I dont know if this is much help but, I started with a 505, then 605, then 805, to finally seperates. I only stayed with the 505 and 605 for maybe a month, I was satisfied with the 805 for about a year.. Of course the big difference was the amp section... I only used the 805's amp for about 6 months then bought a external amp.. I would definately go with the 706 just for the preouts and better amp section. In the long run you will have more options.
Regarding your concern about upscaling, I didnt use my onk for that, just passed through to tv from ps3 and directv.

NewHTguy

I started out with the 605. Loved it but had to sell it when I bought my Rti 10s which like power. If you're posting on this forum it is liklely that you will have upgraditis at some point. The pre-outs on the 706 are worth having and the better video processiong is just icing on the cake. The video upscaling on my 875 is nice enough that I have had little desire to rush to blu-ray. Stretch your budget, you'll be happy you did.

Rocco1

I always say buy as much as you can afford. You will never be upset that you got the best you could, but you may always wonder if you didnt.

cnh

I have to agree. I've owned or listened to the 605, 606, 705, and 805 Onkyos. And the 805/875 (not much difference in amp sections there..only VLSC on the 875 and a not very noticeable power difference 10 watts?).

The difference between the 605/705/6 and the 805 amps sections is noticeable. And adding a power amp yet another noticeable improvement. If you can afford it, do go with the Best Onkyo you can afford. That said. Get at least the 700 series as it has pre-outs. I'd never buy another receiver without pre-outs....plan for the future and learn from those who've been had a past. That's pretty much what everyone above is saying.

And WELCOME TO CP. Stay cool and don't take some of the n....e you'll read here personally!

Good luck

Rocco1

by the way schilrj what kind of speakers are you going to run?
i guess if you are more concerned with video processing than amp out put
you can go with the lowest grade that provides the processing you are looking for.

To me it sounds like your not like the rest of us and needing more more more.

schilrj

Thanks for the help, guys. Rocco- Right now I've got an older set of Infinity bookshelves (RS2) in the front, some cheapo speakers in the back (bookshelf style KLH), and my claim to the Polk world, a PSW12 which I bought about 5 years ago (and have been very happy with, but my condo neighbors hate me). Anyway, I'm running them in stereo with the center channel set to "Phantom" because I never bought a center speaker. I guess it resembles a 2.1 setup.

As if that isn't bad enough, the receiver I've had since college (JVC RX518V) is on the way out... the left channel doesn't always work and it's driving me crazy. As mentioned, I just got the new 46" plasma, and I'm looking forward to utilizing it with a new receiver... next come some better speakers (Polk of course) to complete the 5.1 and someday 7.1 setup.

I've been very patient and I think my dear wife has noticed. We have a 5 and 4 year old, and another due in a month, so I'm lucky for getting the TV at all, not to mention the upcoming receiver. Obviously, budget is limited. Raw power isn't a large concern because of condo life... not many opportunities to crank it. So with some more studying and some advice from you pleasant folks, I'll be patient a little longer and look for a receiver that will give me options to grow into.

Thoughts?

Rocco1

I would say looking at the onk 706 is the way to go then. Its a great all around avr for the price and will provide great RMS power.

wutadumsn23

+1 on the 706, I have it's bigger brother the 806 and love it. While the 806 has 30 more watts than the 706, a "better" THX certification, one more HDMI in than the 706, and the 806 also has component video upconversion all of the rest of the specs. and features are pretty much identical, other than the 806 is a bit bigger and heavier than the 706 as well. Price wise the 706 runs about $550 online and the 806 runs about $650 at the same website (but can be found cheaper) Also join Club Onkyo and you get a 10% discount at their online store. Shop their refurbished models and you can get a good deal as well on factory refurbished models with a one year warranty. They currently have a 706 and an 806 in their refurb area, but they cost as much or more than the new ones I found online, but I usually check often because they change almost daily. Hope this helps and congrats on choosing Onkyo, I love them and have had one as long as I can remember. You will not be dissapointed by the 706.

schilrj

Thanks for the pointers, guys.

I see the 806 has "component video upconversion." Not being quite as interested in the extra power and better THX package, is it worth spending the extra $$ over the 706 to get the component upconversion in the 806?

Also, are there any concerns for HD quality loss? For example, if I have a 720p HD cable signal going into the 806, should I just set it to "Pass Through" or let it convert to 1080i, and then let my TV convert it to 1080p? It makes me nervous to take a progressive signal to an interlaced one, and then back to a progressive, even though it's increasing pixel count.

I was originally trying to decide between the 606 and 706, but the more I'm learning, the more it looks like I should be choosing between the 706 and 806. My only point of interest between the two is the component video upconversion. Is it worth the extra cash?

cnh

I would keep 720p at 720p will probably look a bit better than 1080i.

Why are you so concerned with upconversion...most HDTVs do their OWN upconverting these days? And all those 'older' signals will be just that...I'd say don't worry about this...get the 706 for the pre-outs and forget about the rest.

In a couple of years, none of these receivers will even feature upconversion...they won't need to, everything will be HDMI...

cnh

schilrj

cnh wrote: »

...most HDTVs do their OWN upconverting these days? And all those 'older' signals will be just that...I'd say don't worry about this...get the 706 for the pre-outs and forget about the rest.

Ah, excellent. That's pretty much the answer I was looking for. Thanks.